14 • The Beacon October 15 , 2020
Snyder retires after 44 years at Presbyterian Church
Charles R . Snyder recently retired after 44 years at the Presbyterian Church in Coshocton .
“ Although I ’ ve joked about retiring for years , it just never seemed like the right time ,” Snyder said . “ Then when we were sent home in mid-March and after extensive COVID- 19 research regarding the cautions of singing for choirs and congregations , I knew there wouldn ’ t be singing for some time . So this seemed to be the responsible thing to do .”
After studying music , English and religion at Capital University , Snyder , who moved to Coshocton in the sixth grade , began his career teaching vocal and instrumental music for grade 1-12 in the Highland Local Schools in Morrow County . In 1970 , at the invitation of
Coshocton superintendent Roy McKinley , he returned to Coshocton as the vocal / choral teacher for grade 5-8 at the newly opened Coshocton Middle School . By the second year , 900 of the 1,150 students auditioned for the choirs , and he chose 100 singers for each grade .
“ It was in 1971 , while teaching at the middle school , that we organized the Coshocton Community Choir ,” Snyder said . “ Mr . McKinley encouraged us to have the community choir rehearsals in my music room at the school .”
In spring 1974 , after four years at the middle school , Snyder resigned to pursue further music study . But because he had been the camp director at the Muskingum Valley Scout Reservation for three years , the
Submitted
Charles R . Snyder recently retired after 44 years at the Presbyterian Church in Coshocton .
scout executive persuaded him to take the job as a district scout executive for Muskingum Valley Council .
“ Then in the summer of 1976 , Helen Wright came to visit me at camp and encouraged me to continue the community choir . She offered to take care of the business side of the choir and also be the accompanist . Helen , who had played for the second community choir concert , was also the organist at the Coshocton Presbyterian Church , and she invited the community choir to rehearse and hold their concerts there . Bob Millspaugh was the pastor there at the time and was very supportive of the community choir .
“ The talk with Helen reminded me of how much I had missed music in my life while I was a district executive . The community choir had taken a back seat for two years . After much prayer and talking with trusted friends and Mr . Bushong , our scout executive , I resigned , not knowing what I would do next . But I did agree to continue as director of the scout camp .”
In August Snyder was offered a job at the Presbyterian Church and began his first assignment there in January 1977 as assistant to minister Robert W . Millspaugh . Initially , there were no music responsibilities in this role . It focused on Christian education and youth ministry . But within months he was leading the Geneva Handbell Choir , and in May a new high school choir presented the musical drama , “ Lightshine !”
Snyder assumed leadership of the Crusaders Choir in fall 1979 , and in January 1980 , he became minister of music and Christian education .
“ When I began my work in 1977 , I had no idea that the new job would become my life ’ s
See SNYDER Page 15
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